Miler Memories

We arrived at Dee's house in Manhattan, Kansas. Manhattan is the home of Kansas State where Bill Sr. went to school and became an All American football player. Dee and his wife Marge live near a lake in a small close-knit community about 20 minutes away from civilization. They live part time here and part time in Chicago where we visited last year. They recently built a home on property that Bill Sr. and his brother in law purchased in the early 60s for $500. We are so happy that someone in the family is finally using the land.

We were welcomed by a potential storm and enjoyed watching the dark clouds- anticipating a potential tornado. No tornado but we had a gorgeous rainbow--the most brilliant I have ever seen. The colors were bright and vivid.

We joined Dee and Marge in a community potluck. The food was delicious--what you would expect of Kansas country cooking...homemade casseroles...not food from Costco. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and I was impressed that they said grace before they ate. As I said-- this was a community gathering--not a church function.

We enjoyed listening to the cicadas as we ate but we were very careful not to go into the tall grasses --lest we be attacked by the chiggers!

We drove down to the lake after dinner and saw four deer eating their dinner. Vultures were circling everywhere and we discovered that some fishermen must have cleaned fish and left the remains for those turkey buzzards.

I saw my first cardinal today. It is such a beautiful bird!

This evening we have been reminiscing about the Miler side of the family (Bill's mom.) Dee pulled out tons of old pictures and documents and we are trying to figure out who all the people are. They are putting together family tree names with photos.

Dee told us how we were cheated out ALOT of money. Many of you may not know that every year we receive oil money. We were swindled by a distant relative and should have been receiving much much more oil money. In another circumstance the same rich aunt became senile and before she died the Presbyterian church and a swindler lawyer got her to sign over 95% of her estate to them in her will. She thought she was giving the family 95% and 5% to them. Dee contested it for the family--but lost.

Dee also showed Bill one of two Nazi rifles that Bill's dad brought back from WWII. The other one should be with one of Bill's brothers according to Dee but Bill has no recollection of this rifle.

They are also questioning whatever happened to their great grandpa's gun who was a sheriff in Topeka.

I am enjoying looking at all of these old photos even though I don't have a clue who they are. All of the flapper outfits, old cars, and "fashionable" bathing suits. Bill and Dee are enjoying putting faces to names.

We found a lovely picture of the oil baronness. She was very lovely and wore a gorgeous wide brimmed hat with feathers and flowers with a velvet band. She wore a hand batisted dress with pin tucks all down the front. I am suggesting to Bill that we scan it, frame it and pay homage to her.